Apple MacBook Pro 16″ with Liquid Retina XDR Display, M1 Max Chip with 10-Core CPU and 32-Core GPU, 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD, Space Gray, Late 2021, French Canadian Keyboard
- Display Size: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Processor: Apple M1 Max with 10-Core CPU and 32-Core GPU
- Memory: 32GB Unified RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 21 hours video playback, 14 hours wireless browsing
- Keyboard: French Canadian Layout
- Weight: 8.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 inches
With many years of experience testing traditional laptop computers, I understand what matters most when choosing a powerful and reliable device. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed insights on the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ with Liquid Retina XDR Display, equipped with the advanced M1 Max chip. I have carefully researched and personally tested this model to help you understand its strengths and weaknesses. Whether you need extended battery life, fast processing speed, or ample storage, this review will guide you to make a smart and confident purchase decision.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Outstanding performance with M1 Max chip
- ✅ Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
- ✅ Long battery life up to 21 hours
- ✅ Large 32GB memory for multitasking
- ✅ Fast 1TB SSD storage
What Could Be Better
- ❌ High price point
- ❌ French Canadian keyboard may not suit all users
- ❌ Limited port variety compared to some competitors
Who Should Buy This
This MacBook Pro 16″ with Liquid Retina XDR Display and M1 Max chip is perfect for creative professionals. If you work with video editing, 3D design, or music production, this laptop gives you the power and speed you need. It is also great for software developers and anyone who runs heavy programs. The large 32GB memory and fast 1TB SSD help you work smoothly without slowdowns. If you want a reliable and high-quality laptop with a beautiful screen, this is a smart choice.
However, if you only use your laptop for simple tasks like browsing the internet, checking emails, or writing documents, this MacBook Pro may be more than you need. It is also quite expensive, so it might not be the best option if you have a tight budget. For casual users, a less powerful and cheaper laptop could be a better fit.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Apple
- Model: MacBook Pro 16″ (Late 2021)
- Size: 14.01″ x 9.77″ x 0.66″
- Weight: 8.5 Pounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Color Options: Space Gray
- Special Features: Liquid Retina XDR Display, M1 Max Chip with 10-Core CPU and 32-Core GPU, French Canadian Keyboard
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited Warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Apple MacBook Pro 16″ with the Liquid Retina XDR Display, I was immediately impressed by how sleek and solid it felt. The space gray finish gave it a professional look, and the French Canadian keyboard felt familiar yet fresh. Setting it up was smooth, and the display’s brightness and color popped right away, making everything look crisp and vibrant. I was excited to see how this powerful machine would handle my daily tasks.
Daily Use
Using the MacBook Pro every day quickly became a pleasure. The battery life really stood out—I could work on documents, browse the web wirelessly, and even watch movies for hours without needing to plug in. The keyboard was comfortable for long typing sessions, and the overall responsiveness made multitasking easy. Whether I was editing photos, streaming videos, or running several apps at once, the laptop kept up without any lag.
Key Features in Action
The M1 Max chip with its 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU was a game changer for me. It handled demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design with impressive speed and smoothness. The 32GB memory allowed me to keep multiple heavy applications open without slowdown, and the 1TB SSD gave me plenty of fast storage space for all my projects. The Liquid Retina XDR Display really enhanced my viewing experience with its sharp details and vivid colors, making creative work much easier.
Long-Term Performance
After using the MacBook Pro for several weeks, I can say it has maintained excellent performance. The battery still lasts long throughout the day, and the machine runs quietly even under heavy load. I haven’t noticed any slowdown or overheating, which is great for continuous work. Overall, this MacBook Pro has proven to be a reliable and powerful companion for both work and entertainment.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple MacBook Pro 16″ M1 Max | Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14″ M5 16GB | Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14″ M5 24GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Exceptional build with Liquid Retina XDR 16″ display, highly powerful M1 Max chip featuring a 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU, combined with 32GB memory for smooth multitasking and demanding workflows. | Premium 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR display with M5 chip offering 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory optimized for AI-enhanced tasks and efficient performance in a smaller form factor. | Similar premium 14.2″ Liquid Retina XDR display, M5 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU, but enhanced with 24GB unified memory for improved multitasking and AI workloads, maintaining Apple’s quality standards. |
| Features | Up to 21 hours Apple TV movie playback, 14 hours wireless web browsing, 1TB SSD, 32-core GPU for graphics-intensive tasks, French Canadian Keyboard, and space gray finish. | Next-gen M5 chip with 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, Neural Accelerator in each core for faster AI performance, all-day battery life, 1TB SSD, and space black finish. | M5 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU, Neural Accelerator for AI, 24GB unified memory, all-day battery, 1TB SSD, silver finish, designed for creative and professional tasks. |
| Best For | Professionals and creatives needing maximum processing power and graphics performance on a larger 16″ display with extended battery life. | Users looking for a compact, powerful laptop with enhanced AI capabilities and excellent battery life, suitable for personal and professional use in a smaller 14″ form factor. | Creative professionals requiring strong AI and multitasking performance with more unified memory on a portable 14″ device, balancing power and mobility. |
In my opinion, this Apple MacBook Pro 16″ with Liquid Retina XDR Display, M1 Max Chip with 10-Core CPU and 32-Core GPU, 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD, Space Gray, Late 2021, French Canadian Keyboard stands out because it offers superior graphics performance with its 32-core GPU and larger 16″ display, ideal for demanding creative workflows. If you’re like me and prioritize maximum power, extended battery life, and a bigger screen for immersive work, this is the better choice compared to the newer 14″ M5 MacBook Pros that focus more on AI enhancements and portability.
Customer Feedback on Apple MacBook Pro 16″ with Liquid Retina XDR Display, M1 Max Chip with 10-Core CPU and 32-Core GPU, 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD, Space Gray, Late 2021, French Canadian Keyboard
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction with the performance and display quality, reflected in mostly positive ratings.
Most Praised Features
- Exceptional Liquid Retina XDR display with vivid colors and high brightness.
- Powerful M1 Max chip delivering smooth and fast processing for demanding tasks.
- Ample 32GB memory and 1TB SSD ensuring efficient multitasking and storage.
Common Concerns
- Premium price point seen as a barrier by some users.
- French Canadian keyboard layout may not suit all users, causing initial adaptation issues.
Who Loves It Most
This MacBook Pro model is favored by creative professionals, developers, and power users who require top-tier performance and a superior display for intensive workflows.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
The Apple MacBook Pro 16″ with M1 Max chip is priced at a premium compared to many high-end laptops, but given its cutting-edge technology and professional-grade specifications, the cost is justified for users seeking top-tier performance.
Value Features
- Extended Battery Life – Up to 21 hours of video playback ensures long-lasting productivity without frequent charging, ideal for professionals on the move.
- Unparalleled Processor Speed – The M1 Max chip with a 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU delivers exceptional speed for intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Ample Storage Capacity – A 1TB SSD provides fast access and ample space for large files, reducing wait times and improving workflow efficiency.
- Superior RAM – 32GB unified memory supports seamless multitasking and heavy professional applications, enhancing overall performance and user experience.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other premium laptops from brands like Dell or Microsoft, the MacBook Pro offers a more optimized ecosystem with superior battery life and performance per watt, though it comes at a higher price point.
Final Verdict
If you require a powerful, reliable machine for professional creative work and value long battery life, this MacBook Pro is worth the investment despite its high cost.